Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas told ESPN Monday that negotiations with Lionel Messi over a new contract remain ongoing, but said he's optimistic the team captain will be with the club to inaugurate its new stadium Miami Freedom Park in March 2026.

The first edition of the expanded Club World Cup will want to offer unpredictability as 32 teams from six different continents face each other. Palmeiras of Brazil, Portugal’s Porto, Al Ahly from Egypt and Major League Soccer side Inter Miami make up Group A of this year’s tournament,

With Saturday's opening match versus Al Ahly quickly approaching, Inter Miami's roster remains uncertain as the team recovers from a depleted roster and international fixture duties.